Reformation Society

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Reformation 500 Conference - Dutch Reformed Church, Franschoek

31 OCTOBER is REFORMATION 500

31 October is the birthday of all Evangelical and Bible-believing churches. On 31 October 1517, Dr. Martin Luther launched the Protestant Reformation with his bold stand at the Castle Church in Wittenberg.

Freedom and ProductivityWestern civilisation has been blessed with the greatest freedoms, productivity and prosperity ever known in history. The liberty, standards of justice and creativity enjoyed in Western civilisation is a direct result of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.

First Things FirstOur Lord Jesus Christ taught: "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Peace with GodIt was Martin Luther's earnest quest for peace with God, and his intensive study of the Scriptures, which led him to challenge indulgences the idea that you could purchase salvation, the unethical fund-raising tactics of the papacy and launch the Protestant Reformation. Luther's love for the Word of God and his dedication to truth led him to challenge the entire ecclesiastical and political authority of the Roman Catholic church and the Holy Roman Empire.

Captive to the Word of God"Unless I am convinced by Scripture, or by clear reasoning, that I am in error - for popes and councils have often erred and contradicted themselves - I cannot recant, for I am subject to the Scriptures I have quoted; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. It is unsafe and dangerous to do anything against one's conscience. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. So help me God. Amen." Martin Luther

Freedom of ConscienceIn this incredibly courageous stand against the assembled political and religious might of Europe, Luther argued for freedom of conscience based upon the authority of Scripture. Until that time the prevailing practice was authoritarianism, both in church and state. All religions and cultures supported authoritarianism. However Martin Luther and the Reformers maintained that, because of the depravity of man, no human authority could be trusted as absolute. He rejected ecclesiastical totalitarianism and championed the principle of Sola Scriptura - the Bible alone is our ultimate authority.

Education for AllBy translating the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew into the common tongue, and making it widely available to both nobles and peasants, Luther championed universal education and literacy, the Priesthood of all Believers, freedom of conscience and religious liberty.

Representative GovernmentsThe Protestant doctrine of the Priesthood of all Believers became the foundation for modern constitutional monarchies and representative republics. The equality of all men before God and the Law undermined the absolutism of monarchs and popes who set themselves above the Law.

Constitutional AuthorityInstead of the prevailing "Rex Lex" (the king is the law),the Reformers championed "Lex Rex" (the Law is king!) No one is above God's Law. Jesus Christ is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Everyone is under God's Law. Sola Scriptura eroded the foundations of ecclesiastical and political totalitarianism. The Protestant emphasis on the Priesthood of all Believers and the supreme authority of Scripture led to the concept of representative governments with constitutional authority as the supreme law of the land.

Religious LibertyBy emphasising the Biblical doctrine of Faith as a gift of God, Luther undermined the Catholic Inquisition and provided the theological foundations for religious liberty and freedom of conscience.

Freedom of SpeechThe social implications of this spiritual Reformation were enormous. The doctrine of Sola Scriptura led to constitutionalism. The Priesthood of all Believers led to the concept of representative republics and democratic forms of government. Religious liberty and freedom of conscience led to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association and all the other out-workings of political and social freedom.

Ideas have ConsequencesThere is no doubt that the Reformation in Europe during the 16th century has to be seen as one of the most important epochs in the history of the world. The Reformation gave us the Bible - now freely available in our own languages.

The Banned BibleFew people today realise that the first Bibles printed into English had to be printed in Germany and smuggled into England in bales of cotton from Holland. The Bible translator, William Tyndale, was burned at the stake for the crime of translating the Bible into English. Seven mothers and fathers were burned alive at Coventry for teaching their own children The Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostles Creed - in English.

Courage and SacrificeThe sacrifices made by the Reformers and the far-reaching impact of their courageous application of the Word of God to every area of life, needs to be rediscovered. The Christian Church has made more positive changes on earth than any other force or movement in History.

Blessing the NationsMost of the languages of the world were first codified and put into writing by Christian missionaries. More schools and universities have been started by Christians than any other religion, nation or group. Christian Reformers and missionaries succeeded in bringing about the abolition of slavery, cannibalism, child sacrifice and widow burning. Those countries which enjoy the most civil liberties are those lands where the Gospel of Christ penetrated the most.

Transforming NationsThe Gospel of Jesus Christ is life-changing, history making and nation transforming. If it doesn't change your life, and the lives of those around you, then it is not the Biblical Gospel.

Checks and BalancesThe Reformers emphasised God's Sovereignty, that Scripture alone is our final authority that Christ alone is the Head of the Church, and that justification is by God's Grace alone, on the basis of the finished work of Christ, received by Faith alone. The Reformers' teaching on the depravity of man, Covenant and church government have influenced positive political and social developments in liberty throughout the Western world and beyond, establishing checks and balances, the separation of powers and constitutional authority.

Faith and FreedomAll of us are beneficiaries of this tremendous movement for Faith and Freedom. If you love liberty, you need to re-examine the history and principles of the Reformation. Visit www.ReformationSA.org for inspirational character studies and articles on the doctrines and events which God has used to transform nations and bring about the greatest spiritual Revivals ever known.

Reformation 500 EventsIf Revival is the prayer of your heart and you live near Cape Town, join us in Franschhoek, Monday, 30 October for the Reformation 500 Conference and Tuesday, 31 October for the Reformation 500 Celebrationservice. We will be learning about Heroes of the Faith and Martin Luther’s Date with Destiny. As 31 October is Reformation 500 Day, we will also have guided tours of the Huguenot Museum (10-12pm) and a Reformation 500 Celebration Service at the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek, 12 noon. For more details, phone: 021-689-4480, or e-mail
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">[email protected], or visit www.ReformationSA.org website. You can also join the event on Reformation500 Facebook page and share it on social media. "Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…" Romans 12:2

Reformation 500 FIRE Conference – 30 October, Cape TownThe Reformation 500 FIRE Conference will take place at the NGK (Dutch Reformed Church) in Franschhoek, Monday 30 October 2017. The Conference will run from 9am to 5pm and will include lunch (R50). The Theme of the Conference is Back to the Bible.

"Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" Psalm 85:6

Reformation 500 Celebration in FranschhoekDoes your church, or school, plan to celebrate the Reformation this 31st October? If you are in the Cape Town area, please join us for the Reformation and Revival events, including aGuided Tour of the Huguenot Museum (10-12am) andReformation Day Celebrationservice at the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek at 12 noon, Tuesday, 31 October, or invite Reformation speakers to address your school, or church.

Inspiration and InvolvementIf you want to transform your community, and if you are praying for Revival, then contact The Reformation Society for resources you can use to inspire your family, school and congregation with examples of excellence. Visit www.ReformationSA.org website and Reformation500 Facebook page for more inspiring testimonies and examples of excellence.

“If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14